Elderly Woman Fatally Struck by Truck in Kabankalan City

A 75-year-old resident of Sitio Ulalod, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, tragically lost her life after being struck by a truck Sunday evening, July 27. The victim, identified as Norma Dagnao, was crossing the street around 7:58 p.m. when she was hit by a Fuso truck driven by 48-year-old Hadjie Ortiaga from Barangay Tiling, Cauayan town. According to the initial probe conducted by the Kabankalan City Police Station, the driver did not see Dagnao in time to avoid the collision. Despite an attempt to brake, the truck was unable to stop before impacting the elderly woman. Dagnao was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility but was declared dead upon arrival by the attending physician. Following the incident, the truck driver voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities and is currently held in police custody pending legal proceedings.

Man Detained for Illegal Gambling Amid Metro Manila Floods; Son Dies of Leptospirosis

In the midst of severe flooding in Metro Manila triggered by the Southwest Monsoon and multiple tropical cyclones, a distressing incident unfolded in Barangay Longos, Malabon, where a man was detained for illegal gambling, and his young son died from a waterborne disease. From July 22, 2025, Dion Angelo Dela Rosa spent three days navigating flooded streets searching for his father, Jayson Dela Rosa, who did not return home. Jennelyn dela Rosa, Dion's mother, recalled that Jayson had left to accompany one of their children to work but never informed the family of his whereabouts, nor did he bring his cellphone. "We were worried because it’s not his habit to leave without telling us," Jennelyn explained. She and their children searched separately—Dion in Caloocan and Jennelyn in Malabon. On July 25, Dion located Jayson at a local police substation. Officers had arrested Jayson for allegedly playing "kara y krus" (coin toss), a form of illegal gambling under an outdated Philippine law. "Around noon, we were informed by a police officer that Jayson was detained," Jennelyn stated. She added that the family was not initially notified about his arrest or detention. Tragically, two days later on July 27, Dion fell ill with fever and body aches. After resting, he was found deceased due to cardiac arrest caused by leptospirosis, a disease contracted from prolonged contact with contaminated floodwaters. Doctors also noted a foot infection attributed to the constant exposure. Jayson was released from police custody on August 2. Jennelyn suspects that her husband may have been a victim of "pangsakto"—police arbitrary arrests made to fulfill quotas. "He did not commit any offense. He was simply accused of gambling, detained without informing the family, and held for three days," Jennelyn said. "They said they would contact us, but they never obtained our number." Caloocan police clarified that Jayson was arrested in the early hours of July 25, not two days earlier as the family believed. Police Captain Romel Caburog denied claims of deliberate concealment or quota-driven arrests, emphasizing that such practices are untrue. "Once our investigator confirmed Jayson’s arrest, we immediately instructed the arresting officers to contact his relatives," Caburog explained. "We do not engage in random or unjustified detentions." Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David publicly condemned the events, highlighting the outdated nature of the law under which Jayson was arrested. He noted that the 1978 law against illegal gambling ostensibly protects the poor from vice but has historically targeted marginalized individuals rather than major offenders. "It is a painful irony that Jayson was arrested for playing kara y krus—a trivial game—while even children can gamble via mobile phones before learning basic math," Cardinal David remarked. He also reflected on previous statements condemning online gambling and corruption linked to flood relief efforts. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in law enforcement practices and public health risks during natural disasters in the Philippines.

Netanyahu to Weigh Military Options as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Collapse

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his security cabinet this week to deliberate Israel's strategy in Gaza after indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas failed to yield an agreement. A senior Israeli source indicated that the possibility of intensifying military operations remains on the table. Last Saturday, amid a visit to Israel, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff discussed a framework aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. However, Israeli officials have proposed several options, including expanding the military campaign in Gaza and annexing portions of the devastated territory. The recent Doha negotiations sought to finalize a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, which would have facilitated humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Following Netanyahu's meeting with Witkoff last Thursday, a senior Israeli official noted that \"an understanding was emerging between Washington and Israel\" centered on transitioning from a temporary truce to a comprehensive resolution that would \"secure the liberation of all hostages, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize the Gaza Strip.\" These remain Israel's primary conditions for ending the conflict. An individual familiar with the talks described Witkoff's visit as \"very significant\" within Israeli circles. Nonetheless, by Sunday, the likelihood of reaching a deal appeared diminished. An Israeli official suggested that Hamas showed no interest in negotiations, prompting Netanyahu to prioritize hostage release while preparing for intensified military action. Reports from Israel's Channel 12 indicated discussions within Netanyahu's office leaning toward expanding the offensive and potentially seizing control of the entire Gaza Strip. The exact definition of achieving a \"military defeat\" of Hamas remains contested among Israeli leaders. Some propose formal annexation of parts of Gaza as leverage against Hamas. Prominent politicians such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocate for introducing Israeli military administration and reinstalling Jewish settlements removed two decades ago. The Israeli military has expressed reservations regarding such political initiatives during the ongoing conflict and is expected to present alternatives, including operations in parts of Gaza not yet engaged, according to defense officials. The military also warns that expanding operations could jeopardize the approximately 20 hostages still believed to be alive. Military Chief Eyal Zamir reportedly voiced frustration over perceived strategic ambiguity from political leaders, fearing a prolonged war of attrition with Hamas militants. An IDF spokesperson declined to comment directly but affirmed that the military \"has various strategies to combat the terrorist organization, and that is what the army is doing.\" On the diplomatic front, Qatar and Egypt supported a joint declaration issued by France and Saudi Arabia advocating for a two-state solution. The declaration calls on Hamas to relinquish its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. Hamas, however, continues to reject disarmament, although it has reportedly expressed willingness to cede governance of Gaza to an independent body, according to officials within the group. Hamas insists that any post-conflict arrangement must be internally agreed upon by Palestinians rather than imposed externally. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged on Monday that the gaps between the parties remain substantial. He stated, \"We would like to have all our hostages back. We would like to see the end of this war. We always prefer to get there by diplomatic means, if possible. But of course, the big question is, what will be the conditions for the end of the war?\"

Philippine General Hospital Emergency Room Overwhelmed; Patients Advised to Seek Care at Other Facilities

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has announced that its emergency room has surpassed its capacity due to an unusual increase in patient volume. In an official statement released on Monday, the hospital urged the public to seek medical attention at other healthcare institutions while its emergency services remain overwhelmed. PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi noted that the hospital’s emergency room can accommodate approximately 70 patients at a time. Given the current overload, the hospital recommends that those needing urgent care consider alternative facilities capable of providing immediate medical support. However, the PGH emergency room will continue to accept patients in critical condition. In coordination with the PGH’s advisory, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that 20 DOH and government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC) hospitals across the National Capital Region are ready to admit additional patients. DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who has prior experience leading PGH’s Emergency Medical Services, specifically advised hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and healthcare providers to divert new cases away from PGH temporarily. The DOH-listed hospitals prepared to accommodate patients include: - **Caloocan:** Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium - **Las Piñas:** Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center - **Malabon:** San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital - **Mandaluyong:** National Center for Mental Health - **Manila:** Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Tondo Medical Center - **Marikina:** Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center - **Muntinlupa:** Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - **Pasig:** Rizal Medical Center - **Quezon City:** East Avenue Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center - **Valenzuela:** Valenzuela Medical Center Furthermore, four GOCC hospitals in Quezon City are also available to admit patients: Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center. This joint effort seeks to efficiently manage patient inflow and ensure timely medical intervention during this period of high demand on PGH’s emergency services.

Man Fatally Shot Over Debt Dispute in Paco, Manila

A 45-year-old tricycle driver, Alvin Gary Rotairo of Burgos Street, Paco, Manila, was fatally shot over a financial dispute with a neighbor he had previously lent money to. Rotairo was rushed to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) but succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the attack. According to an investigation led by Police Chief Master Sergeant Boy Niño Baladjay of the Manila Police District homicide division, the incident occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Monday. The victim was reportedly drinking with a friend and a neighbor when the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Mark Julius Rey Bendal, arrived at the scene. Eyewitnesses said Bendal immediately brandished a firearm and opened fire on Rotairo, discharging several shots before fleeing on foot toward an unknown location. Authorities learned that the altercation stemmed from an unresolved debt, with the suspect allegedly refusing to repay the money borrowed from the victim. The amount involved was not disclosed by Rotairo's live-in partner. Police continue to investigate the case and are searching for Bendal, urging anyone with information to come forward. The tragic incident underscores the potential dangers of personal financial conflicts escalating into violence.

Five Fatalities in Early Morning Fire at Residential Building in Wuzhou City

NANNING — A tragic fire broke out early Sunday morning on August 3, 2025, in a residential building located in Wuzhou City, within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. The fire started at approximately 8:30 a.m. on the ground floor of a five-story structure in Longxu District. Emergency management officials confirmed that five individuals lost their lives in the blaze. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire, and investigations into its origin and cause are currently underway. Authorities have not released further details at this time, emphasizing that the primary focus remains on supporting those affected and determining the circumstances that led to the incident.

Baguio City Launches Digital Archive of Ordinances and Resolutions

Baguio City has unveiled an Online Archive, granting public access to digital copies of all city ordinances and resolutions dating back to 1945. This new resource, accessible via https://citycouncil.baguio.gov.ph, is designed to foster transparency and facilitate research amid rising concerns about misinformation. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan emphasized that the initiative, led by the council's research division, aims to modernize public services and provide citizens with direct access to official city documents. He stated, \"This initiative aligns with today\'s digital systems and helps prevent the spread of misinformation by giving the public direct access to official documents.\" According to Jordan Habbiling, the Baguio City Council's information officer, PDF versions of all local legislative measures from 1945 to the present are now downloadable from the city council\'s official website. However, he cautioned that the keyword search functionality remains limited as the process of encoding document titles is still underway. The Online Archive is a collaborative project between the Management Information Technology Division under the Office of the Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by Vice Mayor Olowan. To further encourage civic participation, city council sessions continue to be livestreamed on the Public Information Office\'s Facebook page.

Lanao del Sur Teacher Fatally Shot by Unknown Assailant

COTABATO CITY – A 24-year-old teacher in Lanao del Sur was fatally shot by an unidentified gunman on Monday morning, authorities confirmed. According to a report from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Col. Caezar Cabuhat identified the victim as Danilo Barba, a committed educator at Balabagan Trade School. Barba, originally from Trento, Agusan del Sur, was walking toward the school in Barangay Narra, Balabagan, when the assailant fired at him with a .45-caliber pistol at approximately 8 a.m. The victim succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head at the scene. Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, \"It is with deep sorrow that the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) condemns the tragic killing of Mr. Danilo Barba, a dedicated teacher of Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur, who was mercilessly shot and killed on the morning of August 4, 2025.\" Iqbal emphasized that violence against educators is both painful and intolerable, highlighting teachers as essential pillars of the community whose protection must be ensured at all times. He urged local law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators to deter similar attacks in the future. Dr. Rubina Mimbantas Macabunar, Lanao del Sur II Schools Division Superintendent, also strongly denounced the killing, describing it as a \"senseless and violent act that took away the life of an educator who committed himself to the service of our learners and the community.\" She called for a comprehensive investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue efforts to identify and arrest the gunman responsible for this tragic event.

Lapu-Lapu City Policeman Arrested for Allegedly Endangering Minors at Resort

A police officer was taken into custody after allegedly putting three minors at risk during an incident at a resort in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, on the afternoon of August 3, 2025. The suspect, identified as Police Patrolman Celso Perecio Jr. of the Traffic Enforcement Unit under the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the event, according to the Mobile Patrol Unit (MPU) personnel who responded. Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, the city police spokesperson, stated that their office received a 911 emergency call reporting an act of violence at the resort. MPU officers promptly arrived at the scene and identified Perecio through the victims who were present. The three victims, all 16-year-old residents of Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Basak, recounted that while they were swimming, the officer suddenly approached them, dragged them into deeper water, and forcibly submerged them. Fearing drowning, the minors called out for help, which attracted nearby attention. "He is currently held in the custodial facility at Station 4. From a criminal standpoint, we are awaiting the complainants to file formal charges for child abuse under Republic Act 7610. Concurrently, an administrative investigation is in progress," Torres explained. If the victims proceed with legal action, Perecio faces criminal charges under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse law and potentially dismissal from the police force, which is the most severe sanction in the ongoing administrative case. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will depend on the formal filing of complaints by the victims.

Archdiocese of Cebu Clarifies Appointment of Retired Priest to New Project Role

The Archdiocese of Cebu has issued a formal statement defending its appointment of retired priest Msgr. Roberto "Boy" Alesna as chaplain of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel and head of the Divine Mercy Center project in Consolacion. This response follows concerns raised by retired Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel Ingles regarding the reassignment of the 75-year-old priest, who traditionally would have retired at that age. Ingles questioned the apparent "special favor" given to Msgr. Alesna, noting that other priests in the Archdiocese have typically not been reassigned once they reach retirement. In a detailed reply dated July 11, 2025, the Archdiocese clarified that the appointment was not a standard pastoral role but rather a "project-based" position primarily focused on fundraising and the development of church infrastructure. The letter, signed by Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr., chancellor of the Archdiocese and member of its Personnel Board, stressed that the decision addressed urgent needs and adhered fully to canonical regulations as well as diocesan traditions. The Archdiocese acknowledged Msgr. Alesna’s age but highlighted his expressed willingness to continue serving in a non-parish capacity. They cited his physical fitness and successful history of completing major church initiatives as justification for the exception. Justice Ingles had argued in his June 26 letter that maintaining the retirement age discipline was essential for fairness and consistency within the clergy. Despite this, the Archdiocese’s official statement underscores that this assignment respects the norms while meeting the pressing demands of ongoing church projects.